Is this Ok?

[Goody]

Trying to install an external flood light (150 watts) in the garden; cable feeds from a FCU on the upstairs ring and clipped on to the outside wall connecting to the lamp with 10 ft run. Is it OK to use 1.5 mm T&E without any protection (no physical damage envisaged and only exposure to the natural elements). Thanks.

 

[telectrix]

it's ok but flex would be better. the gland on the fitting is designed for flex. 0.75mm would be ideal, black, grey or white to suit the brickwork.

 

[IQ Electrical]

Trying to install an external flood light (150 watts) in the garden; cable feeds from a FCU on the upstairs ring and clipped on to the outside wall connecting to the lamp with 10 ft run. Is it OK to use 1.5 mm T&E without any protection (no physical damage envisaged and only exposure to the natural elements). Thanks.

I agree with Telectrix, the T&E has no UV protection whatsoever and after a few years will crack and perish, check reg 512.2.

 

[Paul.M]

As above but make sure your clips are closer together than normal so it doesn't end up looking like a suspension bridge when the sun comes out.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

There have always been concerns about UV degredation to the outer sheath of any cable, not just T&E.
I haven't actually seen a cable where the degredation is such that the cable would be considered unsuitable for further service.

 

[IQ Electrical]

You see it when you replace a floodlight just like the op is installing and as was pointed out, you never get a good IP seal on the round cable entry gland when using flat twin.

 

[Adam W]

I agree with the above, but would also consider 10.6.2 of the EGtBR, ie it should have a pir and photocell attached so it's not on all the time, or alternatively should be 'energy efficient'. There is a decent range of CFL outdoor floodlights available nowadays.

There are also some LED options available but they seem to be limited and expensive at the moment.

 

[telectrix]

150watt floodlight will kill the planet but a 10.5kW shower and a 15 gigawatt cooker is OK.

 

[mogga]

LED PMSL I was asked to get a price for led flood with pir recently n told the guy he btr be sitting when he got the email
£395 + the govs rip off he declined and went with a 2x42w pll firrint from neweys looked no 3 bad either altho not very disctrete it was Massive n gave good light once heated up

 

[telectrix]

if the government were serious about saving energy, then they would abolish VAT on all low energy equipment, same as they've abolished road tax on cars with lawn mower engines.

 

[Adam W]

... And electric cars.
You can use as much electricity as you like in an electric car because they're environmentally friendly.

 

[Burt_elliot]

Have you ever looked into solar light there are some splendid ones about and it would save on all your wiring. They might not be as bright but they are a very green product which is a subject that is close to my heart. You find that every Tom dick and Harry want say a 500 watt halogen when that is way over the top for what is needed 

 

[Iggle Parker]

I would b tempted to use 2.5 swa but b careful the glands r awkward little blighters and have the tendency to pop off!!

 

[IQ Electrical]

To be fair here, the op is proposing using a 150W flood, that's not exactly running on Polar Bears tears, the solar lights can just about depict a garden path if used liberally but at the moment, we're a few years away from a solar floodlight or a cheap LED floodlight.

 

[Burt_elliot]

IQ I'm sorry I I offended you I am just trying to let people know that solar power is there and it is time to start using it and thinking about the planet, I for one don't want kids growing up in a world which is so severly affected by global warming! Just look at some of the disasters that have happened in recent years!!!!! If people like you were not so ignorant to the fact that these things are caused by our lack of respect for the environment! and started to do something about it even if it is as little as fitting solar lights!!! *rant over *